Liverpool vs Manchester City: Match preview, predicted line-ups, team news, and prediction

Liverpool take on Manchester City in the Premier League at Anfield on Sunday in the 200th game between the two sides across all competitions.

The Reds defeated Newcastle United 4-1 last weekend, ending their five-game winless run in the league and boosting their top-four hopes.

City lost more ground on leaders Arsenal after being held to a 2-2 draw at Tottenham Hotspur.

Match preview

Liverpool could head into this fixture five points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester United, making this a crucial game for them.

The Reds started on the back foot against Newcastle, but grew into the game to record a victory

Liverpool have picked up just seven points from their last six home games. They need to improve to boost their top-four hopes.

City could be nine points behind Arsenal before kick-off, putting them under immense pressure.

Pep Guardiola’s side lost a two-goal lead against Spurs to be held to a draw, but returned to winning ways against Newcastle United in the League Cup.

The visitors are likely to dominate possession here, despite Liverpool averaging more possession per game in the league this term.

The Cityzens will need to be careful not to lose possession in dangerous areas and maintain a compact shape when the Reds have the ball.

Team news

Liverpool are without Giovanni Leoni, Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley. Joe Gomez could return to the matchday squad since the defeat at Bournemouth.

Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol, John Stones, Savinho and Mateo Kovacic are ruled out for City. Bernardo Silva is doubtful.

Predicted line-ups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson Becker, Dominic Szoboszlai, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Alexis McAllister, Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike.

Man City (4-1-4-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, Ruben Dias, Matheus Nunes, Rodri, Antoine Semenyo, Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Rayan Cherki, Erling Braut Haaland.

Prediction

We predict a 2-2 draw.

Stats from liverpoolfc.com, transfermarkt.com & whoscored.com.